Congratulations to the staff at Emmanuel Methodist Preschool, on Scaggsville Road, just east of Fulton. They have all been credentialed by the Maryland State Department of Education.

This state program is new, and as always, the staff at the school are ahead of the curve in early childhood education in Howard County. It's quite an accomplishment for the 11 staff members. Way to go!

One of the very successful programs that they had there at the preschool this year was vision screening, sponsored by the Clarksville Lions Club. A special thanks goes out to Bill Dupree for all his work. For more information about openings at the preschool or the waiting list, give them a call at 301-725-5178 or send an e-mail to director@emmanuelpreschool.com.

The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Youth Preparatory Orchestra will be having tryouts for new members Aug. 16 and 23 and again Sept. 6 and 13 at the Community College Baltimore County--Catonsville, 800 South Rolling Road. The auditions will be held in the Fine and Performing Arts Building, room Q121.

Additional information is available at its Web site, www.myso.info or call 410-442-5645. The MYSO is planning a concert tour of northern Italy in 2009.

I've got a lot of respect for school bus drivers. I mean, I sometimes get annoyed when I have to drive a car full of kids. Can you imagine having to do that at least twice a day, five times a week with a bus-load full of kids? Sheesh!

Now, did you ever think that maybe, you'd like a second career as a school bus driver? The private contractors that provide bus service to our school kids are looking for qualified people who are willing to be trained.

There's a whole bunch of requirements, such as no disqualifying convictions or outstanding criminal charges, a good driving record with two or less points, etc. For more information, give the HCPSS Office of Student Transportation a call at 410-313-6733. School officials will put you in contact with contractors who need drivers.

Well, that's all for this week. Look after your neighbors. Remember our troops who are serving in harm's way. And their families. Commit a random act of kindness.

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